While swim lessons are essential, water safety truly begins at home. Here are 7 ways Colorado Springs parents can create a safer environment for their children around water.
7 Ways to Practice Water Safety at Home
1. Never Leave Children Unattended Near Water
This includes bathtubs, buckets, toilets, and any standing water. Drowning can happen in as little as one inch of water and in less than 60 seconds — often silently.
2. Install Pool Fencing and Barriers
If you have a pool, ensure it is surrounded by a four-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Barriers save lives.
3. Empty Containers After Use
Always empty buckets, kiddie pools, and other water containers immediately after use. Young children can topple into even small amounts of water.
4. Learn CPR
Every parent and caregiver should know CPR. In a drowning emergency, immediate CPR can be the difference between life and death.
5. Establish Water Rules
Set clear rules about water behavior: no running near pools, always ask permission before going near water, and always swim with a buddy.
6. Use Proper Supervision
Designate a “water watcher” at all times when children are near water. This person should avoid distractions like phones and conversations.
7. Enroll in Swim Lessons
Formal swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning by 88% in children ages 1-4. Little Fins Swim School offers year-round lessons for children of all ages in Colorado Springs.
